After ARLES LES RENCONTRES DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE, the most important photo art festival in Europe, had to be canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, photography fans can now breathe a sigh of relief. More than twenty thrilling exhibitions will be on display throughout the city. Several of which originally planned for 2020 have found a spot in this year’s edition. Our GoSee correspondent Rolf Scheider is reporting on the opening week for us on location in southern France.
From 4 July through 26 September, 2021, the slogan of the festival will be ‘UN ETE DES LUCIOLES – A SUMMER OF FIREFLIES’. Arles and the Rencontres have something in common – light. The event venues have different atmospheres to offer. They show a variety of historical sites and attract visitors to the parks in the city center. Arles will be a constellation of a thousand lights, but that’s not all… Since 1970, the crème de la crème of the photo industry has come together each summer – this year from 4 July through Sunday, 11 July, 2021, for the opening week of the 52nd Edition of ARLES LES RENCONTRES DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE.
Taking place in the courtyard and at the heart of the festival center, Cour Fanton, in 34 Rue du Docteur Fanton are interesting keynotes and panel discussions, award ceremonies, book signings, photo workshops, portfolio viewings, and lectures, where visitors will meet photo enthusiasts and experts who discuss interesting topics each day.
For many years, the festival has closely cooperated with photographers, artists, curators, partners and institutions. It also reflects the social changes that photography is continually attesting to, featuring, notably, a section on the topics of gender and identity.
Aspiring artists, established photographers, a place to honor artists from around the globe, group exhibitions, and topical issues: The festival is all of the above which makes it an unparalleled and essential review, taking stock in contemporary photography. Not to mention the summer work shops with international photographers from all corners of the globe.
Further information in English or in French is available under rencontres-arles.com